Losing Weight and Staying Motivated

Losing weight has one simple secret: eat better and less, and exercise more. But to say it's simple isn't to say it's easy. Losing serious weight requires hardcore determination and persistence. You have to find the correct plan for you and then stay with it until you see results.

Old habits die hard. And if you are used to eating junk and skipping physical exercise, it will be really easy for you to rationalize skipping that trip to the gym today because you are tired or eating dessert because it's a "special occasion." Often we let go of our long-term goals for short-term gratification.

First, one must weight themselves every day. This is fat loss 4 idiots. This provides constants feedback. Knowing that one is going to have to measure themselves in 24 hours can lead to greater focus. It can be that little tickle at the back of your brain as you are about the break your diet.

But it will take more than daily weigh-ins. You have to choose a goal for yourself, whether it is a certain waist size or a certain number of pounds lost. Whatever gets you really excited is a great long-term goal. Allow the goal to enter your mind several times per day.

Make a picture of that goal and put that goal in a major location where you will see it every day. Put that picture in your wallet or on the fridge. The fridge works well because it has a direct link to what you are eating and what you are trying to achieve. Put a picture in your wallet so every time you open it up you see your goal. Hang up the outfit you want to wear on the bedroom door.

Third, it's important to have a support network. Tell friends or family members about your goal, filling them in on the details of your exercise and eating plan as well as your goal. Ask them to interrogate you about your progress every so often. Having to report to someone on your progress may push you to stick with your plan. Peer pressure isn't always bad.

Some common pitfalls are getting sidetracked by short-term successes and comparing yourself to others. Remember that you are in this for the long haul, not just to succeed in losing a few pounds and then gaining it all back. And forget about others. Comparing yourself to someone else will only make you feel bad.

What it takes is breaking your long-term goal up into lots of small, manageable steps. Measure your progress daily. Enlist the help of friends. Real weight loss takes time so be patient and stick with it. Keep reminding yourself of your ultimate goal and you'll be able to push yourself until you achieve your dreams.